So here's the story: my boat is used pretty much exclusively on one lake, and is usually in the water from May until September. It is also stored about 200 yards from the lake, so getting it in and out are no problem. I had a 98 Ford Explorer and my Dad has an old Chevy Blazer, so between the two of us we were able to move the boat when needed.

I sold my Explorer last year as it wasn't practical to use as an everyday car, even though I only drive a few thousand miles a year. Anyway, this wouldn't be a problem because my Dad's Blazer would normally work for putting the boat in and taking it out, but this year I'm going to take an extended amount of time off (2-3 weeks) and live at my family's lake house. I'm going to law school next year so this will be the perfect way to relax and get ready for school, and it will also be my last chance to spend as much time as I want at the lake.

I would like to be able to take the boat to a few lakes in the area, but a 91 Blazer just isn't a safe enough vehicle to tow with for 30-45 mins. Anyone know of a way to have a tow vehicle for a short period of time (~3-4 weeks)? The only thing I can think of is to buy a cheap, used truck and then sell it at the end of the summer. I'd like to avoid this option just because of the hassle of selling a pickup in this economy. Also, because I'll need every dollar I have for school, it would be tough to keep the truck for any extended amount of time. Borrowing a friend's isn't really practical because its for a decent length of time, and no one in my family that I could ask owns anything capable of towing.

Suggestions?

wakeX2wake

02-17-2009, 03:54 PM

find a friend and use them... haha i would say a rental but there goes cost effectiveness... unless you got in good w/ a rental agent

Sodar

02-17-2009, 04:01 PM

Find a neighbor and start finagling now.

A little yard work here, a little painting there...

Oh, how can I repay you for your help?

Well, I would really like to tow my boat to (Fill in the blank) can I borrow your suburban!?!?

I just love how people think a vehicle bottoms out on price around $1,500. :rolleyes:

I like that last truck, the gray Ford.

TMCNo1

02-17-2009, 04:48 PM

I heard about someone who wanted to borrow a forklift, that might work too!

shepherd

02-17-2009, 06:35 PM

What's wrong with the Blazer? It may be cheaper just to fix it.

russlars

02-17-2009, 07:23 PM

How about renting a truck? It seems like I have seen a few U-haul pick up trucks around. If you got a big one you could probably just put the boat inside.

Jerseydave

02-17-2009, 08:16 PM

I looked into renting a truck for a weekend to tow a friends' boat to the lake. Trouble is, most (if not all) rental companies DO NOT allow towing of a trailer with their truck (liability reasons) . Most trucks don't even have a hitch. Only U-haul had box trucks with a hitch, only to be used to tow a U-haul trailer.

If you have a friend with a truck, see if you can swap vehicles for a few months. Other than that, buy something cheap and re-sell it. (Hey, if you find a really good deal, you may actually come out ahead or at least break even).

Chicago190

02-17-2009, 08:24 PM

What's wrong with the Blazer? It may be cheaper just to fix it.

180k miles, rusted, brakes need to be replaced, and the transmission is on its last legs. Its too bad that the damn thing runs perfectly fine, as its the family car for the lake house, but it just doesn't need to be replaced.

What I need to do is work out a deal with my Dad where I buy a late 90s early 00s pickup and then sell it to him as a replacement for the Blazer when I need the money.

My guess is I'll end up spending 5-6k on a truck and then selling it at the end of the summer. I would buy one of the really cheap vehicles (>3k), but I'm worried that reselling it will be a nightmare.

2RLAKE

02-17-2009, 08:49 PM

how about finding a hot girlfriend with a new truck???

03 35th Anniversary

02-17-2009, 08:57 PM

how about finding a hot girlfriend with a new truck???

The guy lives in Chicago not Texas!!! LOL!!!

trickskier

02-17-2009, 09:21 PM

You should be able to rent a Tahoe from a rental company. I haven't seen a new Tahoe with out a hitch and light hook-up.

Chicago190

02-17-2009, 09:27 PM

The guy lives in Chicago not Texas!!! LOL!!!

Plus, I don't know what the man rules are about dating a girl for her car...that's more of a reason for a woman to date a man.

h2oskifreak

02-17-2009, 09:35 PM

Trade out lake/boat time for the tow usage. Accompanied of course.

Chicago190

02-17-2009, 10:16 PM

Alright here is the important question:

Do you guys think used truck prices are going to be up, down, or flat between now and May?

duckguy

02-17-2009, 10:19 PM

I don't think car prices will be going up any time soon.

Monte

02-17-2009, 10:55 PM

180k miles, rusted, brakes need to be replaced, and the transmission is on its last legs. Its too bad that the damn thing runs perfectly fine, as its the family car for the lake house, but it just doesn't need to be replaced.

What I need to do is work out a deal with my Dad where I buy a late 90s early 00s pickup and then sell it to him as a replacement for the Blazer when I need the money.

My guess is I'll end up spending 5-6k on a truck and then selling it at the end of the summer. I would buy one of the really cheap vehicles (>3k), but I'm worried that reselling it will be a nightmare.

IMHO you are going to be able to sell a $1500 truck a heck of a lot easier than 5-6k truck. In this economy people will shell out quick cash for a cheap truck.. The buyers of a 5-6k truck may have to find financing.

shepherd

02-17-2009, 11:32 PM

What I need to do is work out a deal with my Dad where I buy a late 90s early 00s pickup and then sell it to him as a replacement for the Blazer when I need the money.

That sounds like the best option to me then. Your dad shouldn't be driving that death trap on the roads anyways. ;)

agua4fun

02-18-2009, 09:10 AM

Ive heard of people renting a truck with hitch from an off brand u-haul outfit before for good prices. although usually they are set up for a shorter time than a month. They may be worth calling i guess.

Monte

02-18-2009, 09:48 AM

I have an 02 GMC Envoy SLT, 4X4, Tow pkg, leather, sunroof, pw, pdl, ie loaded, I'll sell you for a k back of NADA book.

h2oskifreak

02-18-2009, 12:50 PM

If you are going to be a lawyer, you should be able to figure out how to steal one. If not, maybe rethink you profession. lol

Datdude

02-18-2009, 01:17 PM

PM at you Chicago 190

My truck is available for $375.00 per day plus $53.00 per mile and the standard $89.00 per day service fee:D

I may have a real option for you however:cool:

Chicago190

02-18-2009, 02:08 PM

PM at you Chicago 190

My truck is available for $375.00 per day plus $53.00 per mile and the standard $89.00 per day service fee:D

I may have a real option for you however:cool:

Replied.

How about a Mon-Fri session on any lake within 30 mins of Minocqua? I'll pay for gas

Datdude

02-18-2009, 05:46 PM

Replied.

How about a Mon-Fri session on any lake within 30 mins of Minocqua? I'll pay for gas

Unfortunately the summer is my busy season at work and I need my vehicle most days. :mad:

We can talk as we get closer

Ski-me

02-19-2009, 03:53 PM

Most rental companies either put a lock on an existing hitch and/or state in the contract no towing. At least our last Avalanche we rented had a lock on it........

thatsmrmastercraft

03-06-2009, 01:10 AM

I heard about someone who wanted to borrow a forklift, that might work too!

Hey No 1, before you lend out your forklift, you should require them to get in some practice.

http://www.mousebreaker.com/games/forkliftfrenzy2

H20skeefreek

03-06-2009, 01:38 AM

I've been pulling my boat with an s10 for years now. Get the brakes and transmission fixed and use the blazer. You'll be fine.